19 year old sudden terrible cystic acne on forehead

[Anonymous]

She has always had good skin. In the past couple weeks she developed multiple red cyst-like bumps. I actually wondered if it was mollodcum or shingles, because it’s on the left side and some look like whiteheads - almost blister-y, but they’re not really hurting her. The soonest derm appt is in two weeks. Anything we can do in the meantime? She gets itchy from benzoyl peroxide, so she’s using OTC salicylic acid. It just looks so raw and angry, and she’s very self-conscious.

[Anonymous]

Run her to urgent care and see that they say

[Anonymous]

Is she a HS senior? Could it be stress? My kid’s face looks terrible all of the sudden with finals, ED, and trying to finish RD apps.

[Anonymous]

If it really looks that bad, I would try to get a different derm appt that is sooner than the 2 weeks you have.

But if you really can't, there's a skin condition app (Aysa) where you can upload the photo of the condition into the app, and AI will suggest a diagnosis (which may or may not be correct).

[Anonymous]

This started happening to me in my early/mid 20s. I had clear skin in my teen years.

It's hormonal. Maybe it's because I was a late bloomer? But, it really hit me in my 20s.

Same for DS. He started break out in cystic acne at 19.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she a HS senior? Could it be stress? My kid’s face looks terrible all of the sudden with finals, ED, and trying to finish RD apps.

She’s 19! She’s probably a freshman or sophomore in college.

[Anonymous]

Yes, she’s a college freshman. Interesting to hear that it can start after high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, she’s a college freshman. Interesting to hear that it can start after high school.

It's not uncommon to first get it in adulthood. I'd definitely try to get her to a dermatologist sooner rather than later.

[Anonymous]

I'd try an urgent care in case it's not acne, but something else that needs treatment.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't bother with urgent care. They are useless for things like this.

Just wait for the derm. Have her use sulfa-lo bar soap in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't bother with urgent care. They are useless for things like this.

Just wait for the derm. Have her use sulfa-lo bar soap in the meantime.

Agree. I'm not in the DC area, but we have a local chain that will take walk-in clients specifically for dermatology issues. Maybe find something similar near you through a Google search and see if you can get her evaluated . . . you can always keep your appointment to see your trusted dermatologist later for a follow-up opinion.

[Anonymous]

Could it be impetigo? My DD had a case once that started off looking sort of like chicken pox.

[Anonymous]

Whomever she sees, she should have a hormonal panel done. She may have PCOS or another condition that has caused her testosterone to rise. Spironalactone can be quite effective in bringing levels down.

[Anonymous]

DD never had bad acne until she started college. This also happened to several of her friends. Doctor said this age range in women is like a second puberty with hormonal fluctuations and stress. Different doctors prescribed different things for different friends like spironolactone. Other prescribed epiduo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whomever she sees, she should have a hormonal panel done. She may have PCOS or another condition that has caused her testosterone to rise. Spironalactone can be quite effective in bringing levels down.

Wouldn’t she have other PCOS symptoms, like the body hair, etc? Interestingly enough, she has always had a regular cycle but mentioned she was a week late this month.

Thanks for all the feedback, PPs. I will definitely follow up. She could not get an earlier appt - she was able to get in with a NP, which is probably why she does not have to wait until Jan/Feb.